Splice assembly and brush for same

ABSTRACT

A splice assembly for engaging a conductor includes a brush configured to engage the conductor. The brush includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion. The housing defines a housing axis extending between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion defines a cavity having an open end. The second portion defines a bore. A diameter of the cavity is larger than a diameter of the bore. The cavity and the bore are configured to receive the conductor therethrough. The brush further includes a brush member secured within the cavity and positioned proximate the open end.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of prior-filed, co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/634,635, filed on Jun. 27, 2017, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/355,741,filed Jun. 28, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to connectors for electrical conductors,and particularly to wire splices.

SUMMARY

Wire splices are connectors that are used to join electrical conductors,for example high voltage power lines. Automatic wire splicing connectorsallow a user to easily join two different conductors by inserting eachconductor into a different end of the wire splice. Wire splicingconnectors may be used to quickly connect lengths of suspended cablesduring installation or repair of electrical lines.

The conductors that are connected by wire splice connectors often haveoxidized or dirty outer surfaces. To ensure an effective electricalconnection, the conductor must be cleaned. Cleaning may require adedicated tool and takes time to perform. Cleaning is often not doneeffectively.

In one embodiment, a brush is configured to engage a conductor andincludes a housing and a brush member. The housing includes a firstportion and a second portion. The housing defines a housing axisextending between the first portion and the second portion. The firstportion defines a cavity having an open end. The second portion definesa bore. A diameter of the cavity is larger than a diameter of the bore.The cavity and the bore are configured to receive the conductortherethrough. The brush member is secured within the cavity andpositioned proximate the open end.

In another embodiment, a splice assembly for engaging a conductorincludes a splice body having a first end, a second end, and a chamberextending between the first end and the second end. The splice assemblyfurther includes a first jaw and a second jaw disposed within thechamber of the splice body. The first jaw and the second jaw areconfigured to engage the conductor. The splice assembly further includesa brush coupled to one of the first end and the second end of the splicebody. The brush includes a housing including a first portion and asecond portion and defines a housing axis extending between the firstportion and the second portion. The first portion defines a cavityhaving an open end. The second portion defines a bore. A diameter of thefirst portion is larger than a diameter of the second portion. The brushfurther includes a brush member secured within the cavity proximate theopen end. The brush member includes a plurality of bristles extendinginwardly toward the housing axis.

In yet another embodiment, a method is provided for coupling a brush toa conductor. The method includes securing a brush member within a firstportion of a housing. The brush member includes a plurality of bristlespositioned around a portion of a passageway. The bristles extendinwardly toward the passageway. The method further includes insertingthe conductor through the passageway from a first end of the housing toa second end of the housing, an end of the conductor extending past thesecond end of the housing.

Other aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detaileddescription and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a splice assembly.

FIG. 2 is a section view of the splice assembly of FIG. 1 viewed alongsection 2-2.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the splice assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a brush.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the brush of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a section view of a housing of the brush of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 7 is a section view of the brush of FIG. 4 viewed along section 7-7and aligned with a conductor.

FIG. 8 is a section view of the brush of FIG. 4 engaged with theconductor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understoodthat the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangement of components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the following drawings. Thedisclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or ofbeing carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. The terms “mounted,” “connected” and“coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmounting, connecting and coupling. Further, “connected” and “coupled”are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings,and can include electrical or hydraulic connections or couplings,whether direct or indirect. Also, electronic communications andnotifications may be performed using any known means including directconnections, wireless connections, etc.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a splice assembly 10 for connecting a firstconductor 30 and a second conductor 30 a (FIG. 2 ). In the illustratedembodiment, the splice assembly 10 includes a splice body 15, a firstbrush 20, and a second brush 20 a.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the splice body 15 includes a housing 40, a divider45, a first biasing member 50, a second biasing member 50 a, a first jawassembly 55, and a second jaw assembly 55 a. The housing 40 issubstantially tubular and defines an interior cavity 60. In someembodiments, the housing 40 is made from a conductive material. Thehousing 40 includes a first tapered end 65 including an opening 70 and asecond tapered end 65 a including an opening 70 a. The openings 70 and70 a communicate with the interior cavity 60. The divider 45 ispositioned at a center of the interior cavity 60 to divide the interiorcavity 60 into a first chamber 75 and a second chamber 75 a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the components in the second chamber 75 aare substantially identical to the components in the first chamber 75.Only the components of the first chamber 75 will be discussed in detailfor sake of brevity. Like numbering will be used to refer to like partsin the first chamber 75 and the second chamber 75 a. The letter “a” willbe used to denote parts disposed in the second chamber 75 a. Otherembodiments, however, may utilize different components in the firstchamber 75 and the second chamber 75 a.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , in the illustrated embodiment, the divider45 has a substantially cylindrical shape. Each side of the divider 45includes a seat 80, 80 a, and each seat 80, 80 a engages an end of oneof the biasing members 50, 50 a, respectively. In the illustratedembodiment, a first plurality of indentations 85 and a second pluralityof indentations 85 a are formed in the housing 40 to retain the divider45 relative to the housing 40. In other embodiments, other methods (suchas, for example, an adhesive) may be used to secure the divider 45within the interior cavity 60.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the first jaw assembly 55 is disposed within thefirst chamber 75 proximate an opposite end of the first biasing member50 from the end that engages the seat 80. In the illustrated embodiment,the first biasing member 50 is a compression spring. The first biasingmember 50 urges the first jaw assembly 55 towards the first tapered end65. The first jaw assembly 55 is shaped to follow a tapered internalprofile of the first chamber 75. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first jawassembly 55 includes a first jaw 90 and a second jaw 95. The first jaw90 and the second jaw 95 have curved inner surfaces that define anopening (FIG. 2 ) therebetween. In some embodiments, the curved innersurfaces include a plurality of teeth. In some embodiments, the firstjaw assembly 55 is made from a conductive material.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 4-6 , the brush 20 includes a brush housing100, a brush member 105, and a cap 110. The brush housing 100 includes afirst portion 115 defining a cavity 120 and a second portion 125defining a central bore 130. The cavity 120 and the central bore 130 arealigned along a longitudinal axis 133 of the brush housing 100. In someembodiments, the brush housing 100 is made from a nonconductivematerial. The cavity 120 includes a first end 135 and a second end 140.The first end 135 is an open end. A groove 145 is positioned proximatethe first end 135 and the cap 110 is secured within the groove 145.

As shown in detail in FIG. 6 , an axial distance between the first end135 and the second end 140 defines a length of the cavity 120. In theillustrated embodiment, a guide ridge 150 is disposed along a portion ofthe length of the cavity 120. A step 155 extends along a portion of thelength of the cavity 120. The step 155 provides a stop surface or a seatfor the brush member 105. A length of the guide ridge 150 is larger thana length of the step 155. A width of the step 155 is larger than a widthof the guide ridge 150.

Referring again to FIG. 6 , the second portion 125 of the brush housing100 includes a first end 160 and a second end 165. The first end 160 ofthe second portion 125 is adjacent the second end 140 of the firstcavity 120. Apertures 170 extend through a wall of the second portion125 proximate the first end 160. In some embodiments, the apertures 170are circumferentially spaced apart from one another about the first end160. In addition, the second portion 125 includes a flange 175 disposedproximate the second end 165 of the second portion 125. The apertures170 allow for compression of the second portion 125, allowing the brushhousing 100 to fit into splice systems having small inner diameters. Insome embodiments, the flange 175 is tapered so that a width of theflange 175 increases in a direction oriented away from the second end165 of the second portion 125.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3 , in some embodiments, anidentification ring 180 is coupled to the second portion 125. Theidentification ring 180 may be integrally formed with the brush housing100 or may be formed as a separate piece. The identification ring 180may include markings or may be color or pattern coded to identify thesize and type of cables or conductors that extend through the brushhousing 100.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the brush member 105 includes an outer casing 190,a first end 195, a second end 200, and bristles 205. The outer casing190 supports the bristles 205. In the illustrated embodiment, a portionof each bristle 205 extends through a hole in the outer casing 190 andis angled to retain the bristle relative to the outer casing 190. Insome embodiments, the bristles 205 are integrally formed with the outercasing 190. The outer casing 190 may have a substantially cylindricalshape with a gap 210 extending along a length of the outer casing 190.The outer casing 190 may originally be formed as a strip of materialwith the bristles 205, and then rolled into a cylindrical shape. Inother embodiments, the gap 210 may extend along a portion of the lengthof the outer casing 190. The gap 210 receives the guide ridge 150 of thefirst cavity 120 of the brush housing 100, and the second end 200 of thebrush member 105 abuts the step 155 disposed within the cavity 120 ofthe brush housing 100. Stated another way, the brush member 105 iscoupled to the brush housing 100 by aligning the gap 210 with the guideridge 150 and inserting the brush member 105 until the second end 200contacts the step 155. In the illustrated embodiment, a space 215 (FIG.8 ) is formed between the second end 200 of the brush member 105 and thesecond end 140 of the first cavity 120 of the brush housing 100.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 , the outer casing 190 supports the bristles205. The bristles 205 may have varying lengths. Each bristle includes adistal end 220, and the distal ends 220 are oriented to form a centralbore 225. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , the lengths of thebristles 205 vary between the first end 195 and the second end 200 ofthe brush member 105, such that the lengths of the bristles 205proximate the first end 195 are shorter than the lengths of the bristles205 proximate the second end 200. The diameter of the central bore 225is tapered from the first end 195 to the second end 200, such that thediameter is larger proximate the first end 195 than the second end 200.In some embodiments, the diameter of the central bore 225 may bestraight. The tapered profile of the central bore 225 allows the brush20 to effectively clean conductors of various diameters. When the brushmember 105 is disposed within the brush housing 100, the central bore225 of the brush member 105 aligned with the central bore 130 of thebrush housing 100 along the longitudinal axis 133. In some embodiments,the brush member 105 is made of a low conductivity metal, such as steel.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the cap 110 has a cross-sectional shape similar toa shape of the first portion 115 of the brush housing 100. In theillustrated embodiment, the cap 110 is positioned within the groove 145of the brush housing 100, securing the brush member 105 within thecavity 120. The cap 110 includes a cap central bore 230. When the cap110 is engaged with the brush housing 100, the central bore 225 of thecap 110, the central bore 225 of the brush member 105, and the centralbore 130 of the brush housing 100 are aligned along the axis 133,defining a through opening extending through the brush 20. In otherembodiments, the cap 110 may be integrally formed with the brush housing100. In still other embodiments, the brush 20 may not include a cap 110,and the outer casing 190 of the brush member 105 may be secured withinthe cavity 120 by another means, for example by an adhesive.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the first brush 20 is inserted into the opening 70in the first tapered end 65 of the housing 40 of the splice body 15 in adirection shown by the arrow 245. In some embodiments, theidentification ring 180 may be positioned on the second portion 125 ofthe brush housing 100 so that the identification ring 180 is proximatethe opening 70 when the first brush 20 is properly positioned within thehousing 40 of the splice body 15.

In the illustrated embodiment, a cap 235 (FIG. 2 ) is attached over aleading end 240 of the first conductor 30 to prevent multiple strands ofthe first conductor 30 from unraveling as the first conductor 30 isinserted into the first brush 20 and the jaw assembly 55 of the splicesystem 15. Once the first conductor 30 is aligned with the central bores130, 225, and 230 of the first brush 20 as shown in FIG. 7 , the firstconductor 30 is inserted through the cap central bore 230 in the cap 110of the brush 20 and pushed through the central bore 225 of the brushmember 105. As the conductor 30 moves through the central bore 225 ofthe brush member 105, the first conductor 30 contacts the bristles 205.The bristles 205 deflect towards the second end 140 of the cavity 120and scrape against an outer surface of the first conductor 30. Thebristles 205 proximate the second end 200 of the brush member 105deflect into the space 215 defined between the second end 200 of thebrush member 105 and the second end 140 of the cavity 120 of the brushhousing 100. The first conductor 30 is inserted through the central bore130 defined by the second portion 125 of the brush housing 100 (FIG. 8 )so that the leading end 240 of the first conductor 30 protrudes from thesecond portion 125 of the brush housing 100 and is positioned proximatethe jaw assembly 55 of the splice system.

After inserting the first conductor 30 though the first brush 20, thecap 235 or the leading end 240 of the first conductor 30 contacts thecentral opening 98 of the jaw assembly 55 and pushes the jaw assembly 55against the force of the biasing member 50 in the direction shown by thearrow 245. As the jaw assembly 55 is pushed in the direction shown bythe arrow 245, a diameter of the tapered end 65 increases and theleading end 240 of the first conductor 30 slides into the centralopening 98 between the first jaw 90 and the second jaw 95, splaying thefirst jaw 90 and the second jaw 95 apart. In some embodiments, the firstconductor 30 is pushed further into the interior cavity 60 of the splicehousing 40 until the cap 235 contacts the seat 80 of the central divider45.

Once the first conductor 30 has been fully inserted into the first brush20, the user releases the first conductor 30, removing the force thatovercomes the force exerted by the biasing member 50. The biasing member50 urges the jaw assembly 55 in a direction opposite the direction shownby the arrow 245 such that the jaws 90, 95 are pushed against thetapered end 65 of the housing 40 of the splice body 15 and clamptogether around the first conductor 30. As the jaws 90, 95 are urgedagainst the tapered end of the housing 40 of the splice body, the firstbrush 20 is urged outward. The outward movement of the first brush 20 isan indication that the first conductor 30 has been successfully insertedinto the splice system 15. The jaws 90, 95 therefore secure the firstconductor 30 in the opening 98. The flange 175 is secured between thejaws 90, 95, which ensures that the first brush 20 remains engaged withthe splice body 15 and does not slide axially along the first conductor30 after the first brush 20 has been inserted into the splice system 15.

After installing the first conductor 30, the second brush 20 a isinserted into the opening 70 a of the second tapered end 65 a of thehousing 40 of the splice body 15. Once the second conductor 30 a isaligned with the central bores 130 a, 225 a, and 230 a in the secondbrush 20 a, the second conductor 30 a is inserted through the secondbrush 20 a as described above with respect to the first conductor 30.The second conductor 30 a is therefore secured in the central opening 98a of the jaw assembly 55 a disposed in the second tapered end 65 a ofthe housing 40 of the splice body 15.

Alternatively, the user may insert the conductor 30, 30 a into the brush20, 20 a before inserting the brush 20, 20 a into the splice assembly10.

After both the first conductor 30 and the second conductor 30 a havebeen attached to the splice body 15, the first conductor 30 and thesecond conductor 30 a are in electrical communication with one another.For example, electrical current may flow from the first conductor 30 tothe first jaw assembly 55, then to the housing 40, to the second jawassembly 55 a, and then to the second conductor 30 a. Alternatively,current may flow from the second conductor 30 a to the first conductor30. For example, the current may flow from the second conductor 30 a tothe second jaw assembly 55 a, to the housing 40, to the first jawassembly 55, to the first conductor 30.

Although some aspects have been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects as described.Various features and advantages are set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A brush configured to engage a conductor, thebrush comprising: a housing including a first portion, a second portion,and a housing axis extending between the first portion and the secondportion, the first portion including a cavity having a first, open endand a second end spaced apart from the first end, the second portionincluding a bore, and a diameter of the cavity being larger than adiameter of the bore, the cavity and the bore being configured toreceive the conductor therethrough; a brush member secured within thecavity proximate the first end and spaced apart from the second end,wherein the housing further includes a step extending from the secondend toward the first end, and wherein the brush member includes a firstend and a second end, the second end of the brush member abutting thestep.
 2. The brush of claim 1, wherein the bore and the cavity arealigned along the housing axis and configured to receive the conductortherethrough.
 3. The brush of claim 1, wherein the brush member issubstantially cylindrical and includes a plurality of bristles extendinginwardly toward the housing axis, the bristles forming a tapered brushpassageway, the bristles configured to contact an outer surface of theconductor.
 4. The brush of claim 1, wherein the step includes a guideportion extending proximate the first end of the cavity, and wherein thebrush member includes an outer wall, the outer wall including a gapreceiving the guide portion.
 5. The brush of claim 1, wherein the firstend of the cavity includes a groove, the brush further including a cupcap at least partially received within the groove.
 6. The brush of claim1, wherein the housing is made of a non-conductive material.
 7. Thebrush of claim 1, wherein the second portion includes an apertureextending through a wall of the bore.
 8. The brush of claim 1, whereinthe second portion includes a flange extending from a wall of the bore.9. The brush of claim 1, wherein the second portion includes anidentification ring.
 10. A method for coupling a brush to a conductor,the method comprising: securing a brush member within a first portion ofa housing, the brush member including a plurality of bristles positionedaround a portion of a passageway, the bristles extending inwardly towardthe passageway; inserting the conductor through the passageway from afirst end of the housing to a second end of the housing, an end of theconductor extending past the second end of the housing, and insertingthe second end of the housing into a first end of a splice assembly,wherein the combination of inserting the second end of the housing andinserting the conductor through the passageway causes a pair of jaws inthe splice assembly to engage a flange extending from the second end ofthe housing and maintain electrical contact with the conductor.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the combination of inserting the second endof the housing and inserting the conductor through the passageway causesa pair of jaws in the splice assembly to engage the conductor.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the brush member is a first brush member,the housing is a first housing, and the conductor is a first conductor,the method further comprising: securing a second brush member within afirst portion of a second housing, the second brush member including aplurality of bristles positioned around a portion of a secondpassageway, the bristles extending inwardly toward the secondpassageway; and inserting a second conductor through the secondpassageway from a first end of the second housing to a second end of thesecond housing, an end of the second conductor extending past an end ofthe second end of the second housing.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the pair of jaws is a first pair of jaws and the flange is afirst flange, the method further comprising the step of inserting thesecond end of the second housing into a second end of the spliceassembly, wherein the combination of inserting the second end of thesecond housing and inserting the second conductor through the secondpassageway causes a second pair of jaws in the splice assembly to engagea second flange extending from the second end of the second housing andmaintain electrical contact with the second conductor.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the combination of inserting the second end of thesecond housing and inserting the second conductor through the secondpassageway causes the second pair of jaws in the splice assembly toengage the second conductor.